Author response for "Associations between the radiographic appearance of vascular channels in proximal sesamoid bones, their microstructural characteristics and past racing performance in Thoroughbreds"

Methods: Four Thoroughbred racehorses in active National Hunt training (490–575 kg) were galloped overground at a standardised speed wearing four saddles: half tree, three-quarter tree, full tree race-exercise saddles (Saddles H/Q/T), and a saddle designed to reduce paraspinal pressure under the saddle at T10–13 (Saddle F). Pressure distribution under saddles was recorded using a pressuremat system, and gait features using high-speed-motion-capture. Data were collected in the mid-50 m of 150 m straight side of a flat oval track. Results were compared between saddle types within horses.